April, 2011 | Gardening with Cheryl

Archive for April, 2011

5 Ways to Limit Outside Noises

April 29th, 2011

Image by whirlpool via Flickr

Berms – Raising the level of the ground even if only slightly for perimeter landscapes or heavily to create hill like structures is a great way to drown out traffic and noisy neighbors.
Wood or stone fences – To be of help in reducing noise, fences need to be 6+ feet high. If you can see over the fence, the noise will not be blocked. Wood fencing should be solid without breaks like solid stockade type.
Water Features – Whether there is space for a tall waterfall, low falling water or a fountain, running water is beautiful sound distraction.
Hedges – If only seasonal noise is a problem (warm season), select a tight branching shrub that grows in the 8 to 10 foot tall range such as hardy hibiscus or viburnums. For year around control, choose from lower growing evergreen trees like the emerald green or dark green arborvitae that are dense, yet more columnar shaped which can be planted closer for a smooth yet taller hedge.
Buildings – Strategic placing of garages, storage sheds and other structures can reduce or even eliminate some noises completely.

Whether the noise is from traffic, businesses or neighbors, selecting one or more of the above noise reducing methods can help to limit noise traveling into your private spaces such as patio or deck areas.

For more tips on landscaping visit our Landscaping Ideas Department at Greenwood Nursery.

Low Maintenance Privacy Landscaping Ideas (brighthub.com)
How Much Per Foot Does It Cost to Build a Fence? – Depending on the Type (brighthub.com)

Tags: Berm, controlling traffic noise, hedges reduce noise, landscaping for noise, limiting noises, noise control tips, noisy neighbors, outside sound reduction, reducing outside noise, traffic noise
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6 Tips for the Pool Landscape

April 23rd, 2011

Plant bignonia tangerine beauty or other flowering vines to grow up trellis panels for privacy
Select trees that are columnar with contained root systems
Summer flowering plants attract bees & other insects – limit their use
Use plants with thorns (rosa rugosa or barberry) in the perimeter area only
Deciduous plants shed their leaves – use sparingly or only in the perimeter area
Limit lawn spaces near the pool as grass clippings often go into the water

Planting A Rose Hedge (twogardenerslondon.wordpress.com)
Affordable Hedges (gardeningwithcheryl.com)

Tags: Berberis, landscaping, landscaping around pools, Lawn, plant, plants for pools, pool ideas, swimming pools, tips for landscaping, tips for pools, Tree
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Plants for the Pool Area

April 23rd, 2011

Image via Wikipedia

Looking for more ideas on what to plant around the fence (perimeter) of your pool area to create more privacy or in the poolside landscape?

Plants that can be used for landscapes and hedges around the perimeter of the pool area (20 to 30 feet away from the pool) are:

Plants that are safe to use in the poolside landscape or in containers are:

Top 10 Swim Up Bars in the World (hotelclub.com)
Low Maintenance Privacy Landscaping Ideas (brighthub.com)
9 ways to brighten up your front entrance (gardeningwithcheryl.com)

Tags: backyard garden, backyard pool, container plants, gardening, Hibiscus, Magnolia, online nursery, plant, planting plants, plants for pools, pool landscapes, pool privacy, privacy plants, Swimming pool, tips for landscaping
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9 ways to brighten up your front entrance

April 17th, 2011

Boston - Beacon Hill "Red door on a brown...

Image by David Paul Ohmer via Flickr

1) A fresh coat of paint on the front door in a lively color such as red or yellow

2) Add a potted plant with all season color or leaf variegation such as Patriot Hosta

3) Plant a summer bloomer near the door such as Pee Gee Hydrangea or Morning Star Hibiscus

4) Add solar spotlights or path lights

5) Plant lavender or rosemary plants for a scented entrance

6) Add a window box with perennials, ornamental grasses and vines

7) A friendly “Welcome” mat or sign

8) Adding a Natural looking wreath such as forsythia

9) Placing a couple of chairs and table to encourage sitting and talking

Visit Greenwood Nursery’s Accent plants to see what plants will brighten up your entrance.

7 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal (money.usnews.com)
Curb Appeal (reallivingmorganrealtygroup.wordpress.com)
Drought resistant Plant Materials to create UNBEATABLE Curb Appeal! Hope Designs serving Etobicoke (hopedesignshomestaging.wordpress.com)
Simple home staging techniques (jenniferwrobleski.wordpress.com)

Tags: front door, front door ideas, front landscape, front walk ideas, Gardens, Hibiscus, Home and Garden, home entrances, Hydrangea, lavender, plant, rosemary, window boxes
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Berry Growing Tip

April 17th, 2011

Image via Wikipedia

Plant now for next year’s berry crop. Predictions are that food prices will be increasing drastically over the next few years. It takes about 2 to 3 seasons for berry plants to begin production. Planting this spring insures berries will be on their way. When you grow your own, you know that they are safe and healthy.

Check out berry plants at Greenwood Nursery.